{"data":{"id":"us-nyc/n.y.c.-admin.-code-bc-q107","jurisdiction":"us-nyc","citation":"N.Y.C. Admin. Code § BC Q107","heading":"Section BC Q107: Installation of Fire Alarms","body":"Q107.1 General.\n\nFire alarm system design, installation, testing, and maintenance, where required by this code, shall be conducted and documented in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, 2016 edition, modified for New York City as follows. Refer to the rules of the department for any subsequent additions, modifications or deletions that may have been made to this standard in accordance with Section 28-103.19 of the Administrative Code.\n\nChapter 1 Administration No changes.\n\nChapter 2 Referenced Publications\n\n2.1 Add at end the following: \"Where a referenced publication has been modified for the City of New York by the New York City Building Code or the rules of the Department of Buildings, every reference to such publication shall be deemed to include all such modifications. Where the edition of a publication referenced within this standard differs from the edition provided for the same standard in Chapter 35 of the New York City Building Code, the edition provided for in Chapter 35 of the New York City Building Code shall govern.\"\n\nChapter 3 Definitions No changes.\n\nChapter 4 Reserved\n\nChapter 5 Reserved\n\nChapter 6 Reserved\n\nChapter 7 Documentation No changes.\n\nChapter 8 Reserved\n\nChapter 9 Reserved\n\nChapter 10 Fundamentals\n\n10.5.1.1 Delete and replace with the following: \"Fire alarm system and emergency communication system plans and specifications shall be developed in accordance with the New York City Building Code by persons licensed and registered to practice the profession of engineering under the Education Law of the State of New York, who are also experienced in the proper design, application, installation, and testing of the system.\"\n\n10.5.1.2 Delete.\n\n10.5.2.1 Add at beginning the following: \"Fire alarm installations shall be performed by a New York City licensed electrical contractor.\"\n\n10.5.3.1 Add at beginning the following: \"Fire alarm inspection, testing and maintenance shall be performed by a New York City licensed electrical contractor holding a New York State registration for ‘Business of Installing, Servicing or Maintaining Security or Fire Alarm Systems' or those fire alarm companies holding a New York State registration for ‘Business of Installing, Servicing or Maintaining Security or Fire Alarm Systems,' and in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the Fire Commissioner.\"\n\n10.6.3.1 Delete and replace with the following: \"Refer to the New York City Electrical Code for requirements.\"\n\n10.6.3.2 Delete and replace with the following: \"Refer to the New York City Electrical Code for requirements.\"\n\n10.6.3.3 Delete and replace with the following: \"Refer to the New York City Electrical Code for requirements.\"\n\n10.6.3.4 Delete and replace with the following: \"Refer to the New York City Electrical Code for requirements.\"\n\n10.6.4.1 Delete and replace with the following: \"Refer to the New York City Electrical Code for requirements.\"\n\n10.6.4.2 Delete and replace with the following: \"Refer to the New York City Electrical Code for requirements.\"\n\n10.6.4.3 Delete and replace with the following: \"Refer to the New York City Electrical Code for requirements.\"\n\n10.6.5.1 Delete and replace with the following: \"Refer to the New York City Electrical Code for requirements.\"\n\n10.6.5.2 Delete and replace with the following: \"Refer to the New York City Electrical Code for requirements.\"\n\n10.6.5.3 Delete and replace with the following: \"Refer to the New York City Electrical Code for requirements.\"\n\n10.6.5.4 Delete and replace with the following: \"Refer to the New York City Electrical Code for requirements.\"\n\n10.6.6.1 Delete and replace with the following: \"Refer to the New York City Electrical Code for requirements.\"\n\n10.6.6.2 Delete and replace with the following: \"Refer to the New York City Electrical Code for requirements.\"\n\n10.6.7.2.1 Delete and replace with the following: \"The secondary power supply for fire alarm systems and supervising station facilities shall have sufficient capacity to operate the system in accordance with the New York City Electrical Code. The secondary power supply for other systems shall have sufficient capacity to operate the system under quiescent load (system operating in a nonalarm condition) for a minimum of 24 hours and, at the end of that period, shall be capable of operating all alarm notification appliances used for evacuation or to direct aid to the location of an emergency for 5 minutes, unless otherwise permitted or required by 10.6.7.2.1.1 through 10.6.7.2.2.\n\n10.6.7.2.1.2 Reserved.\n\n10.6.7.2.1.3 Reserved.\n\n10.6.7.2.1.4 Delete and replace with the following: \"The secondary power supply for high-power speaker arrays used for wide-area mass notification systems shall be in accordance with 24.6.5.2.\"\n\nAdd 10.6.7.2.1.8 to read as follows: \"The secondary power supply for two-way voice radio communication enhancement system shall be in accordance with 24.9.5.3.1.\"\n\nChapter 11 Reserved\n\nChapter 12 Circuits and Pathways\n\nAdd 12.3.6.1 to read as follows: \"Class-N circuits shall not be installed unless approved by the Fire Department.\"\n\nChapter 13 Reserved\n\nChapter 14 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance\n\n14.1.1 Delete and replace with the following: \"The inspection, testing and maintenance of systems, their initiating devices, and notification appliances shall comply with the requirements of this chapter and the New York City Fire Code.\"\n\n14.1.2 Delete and replace with the following: \"The inspection, testing and maintenance of single- and multiple-station smoke and heat alarms and household fire alarm systems shall comply with the requirements of this chapter and the New York City Fire Code.\"\n\n14.4.9 Delete and replace with the following: \"In-building auxiliary radio communication systems (ARCS) shall be inspected and operationally tested in accordance with the requirements of the New York City Fire Code and rules promulgated by the Fire Department.\"\n\n14.6.3 Delete and replace with the following: \"Supervising Station Records. For supervising station alarm systems, records pertaining to signals received at the supervising station that result from maintenance, inspection, and testing shall be maintained in accordance with the New York City Fire Code.\"\n\n14.6.3.1 Delete.\n\n14.6.3.2 Delete.\n\n14.6.4 Delete.\n\nChapter 15 Reserved\n\nChapter 16 Reserved\n\nChapter 17 Initiating Devices\n\nAdd 17.5.3.2.1 to read as follows: \"Partial coverage smoke detection shall be located in common areas and work spaces such as corridors, lobbies, storage rooms, equipment rooms, and other tenantless spaces, where required.\"\n\nAdd 17.5.3.2.2 to read as follows: \"Selective coverage smoke detection shall be located as follows:\"\n\n\"(1) In each mechanical equipment, electrical, transformer, telephone equipment or similar room, in elevator machine rooms, and in elevator lobbies.\"\n\n\"(2) In air distribution systems in accordance with Section 606 of the New York City Mechanical Code.\"\n\n17.10.2.4 Delete and replace with the following: \"The selection and placement of the gas detectors shall be based on an engineering evaluation including, but not limited to, the following:\n\n(1) Structural features, size, and shape of the rooms and bays\n\n(2) Occupancy and uses of areas\n\n(3) Ceiling heights\n\n(4) Ceiling shape, surface, and obstructions\n\n(5) Ventilation\n\n(6) Ambient environment\n\n(7) Gas characteristics of the gases present\n\n(8) Configuration of the contents in the area to be protected\n\n(9) Response time(s)\"\n\nChapter 18 Notification Appliances No changes.\n\nChapter 19 Reserved\n\nChapter 20 Reserved\n\nChapter 21 Emergency Control Function Interfaces\n\n21.3.3 Delete and replace with the following: \"Unless otherwise required by the authority having jurisdiction, only the elevator lobby, elevator hoistway, and elevator machine room smoke detectors, sprinkler waterflow alarm-initiating devices, or other automatic fire detection as permitted by 21.3.9, and initiating devices used to initiate shutdown of elevator power in accordance with 21.4 shall be used to recall elevators for fire fighters' service.\"\n\n21.3.13 Delete and replace with the following: \"Separate outputs from the fire alarm systems to the elevator controller(s) shall be provided to implement elevator Phase 1 Emergency Recall Operation in accordance with ANSI/ASME A17.1a/CSA B44a, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators.\"\n\n21.3.13.1 Delete and replace with the following: \"See ANSI/ASME A17.1a/CSA B44a, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, for designated and alternate levels of elevator recall.\"\n\n21.3.13.2 Delete and replace with the following: \"See ANSI/ASME A17.1a/CSA B44a, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, for designated and alternate levels of elevator recall.\"\n\n21.3.13.3 Delete and replace with the following: \"See ANSI/ASME A17.1a/CSA B44a, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, for designated and alternate levels of elevator recall.\"\n\n21.4.2 Delete and replace with the following: \"If heat detectors are used to shut down elevator power prior to sprinkler operation, they shall be placed within 24 in. (610 mm) of each sprinkler head and be installed in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 17. Upon activation of the heat detector used for elevator power shutdown, there shall be permitted to be a delay in the activation of the power shunt trip. This delay should be the time that it takes the elevator cab to travel from the top of the hoist way to the lowest recall level. Alternatively, engineering methods, such as those specified in Annex B, shall be permitted to be used to select and place heat detectors to ensure response prior to any sprinkler head operation under a variety of the growth rate scenarios.\"\n\n21.4.3 Delete and replace with the following: \"Pressure or water flow switches shall not be used to shut down elevator power.\"\n\n21.6 Delete section, including all subsections, and replace with the following:\n\n\"21.6 Occupant Evacuation Elevators.\"\n\n\"21.6.1 Elevator Status. Any elevator specifically designated and marked for use by occupants for evacuation during fires shall comply with all of the provisions of 21.5 and 21.6.\"\n\n\"21.6.2 Elevator Occupant Evacuation Operation (OEO). Outputs from the fire alarm system to the elevator controller(s) shall be provided to implement elevator occupant evacuation operation in accordance with section 2.27 of ASME A17.1/CSA B44 as modified by Chapter K1 of Appendix K of the New York City Building Code, as required in 21.6.2.1 and 21.6.2.2.\"\n\n\"21.6.2.1 Partial Evacuation. Where an elevator or group of elevators is designed for use by occupants for evacuation, the provisions of 21.6.2.1.1 through 21.6.2.1.4 shall apply for partial evacuation.\"\n\n\"21.6.2.1.1 Initiation. Output signal(s) shall be provided to initiate elevator occupant evacuation operation upon automatic or manual detection of a fire on a specific floor or floors as a result of either or both of the following:\n\n(1) Activation of any automatic fire alarm initiating device in the building, other than an initiating device used for elevator Phase I Emergency Recall Operation in accordance with Chapter K1 of Appendix K of the New York City Building Code.\n\n(2)* Activation of manual means at the fire command center by authorized or emergency personnel.\"\n\n\"21.6.2.1.2* Floor Identification.\n\n(A) The output signal(s) shall identify each floor to be evacuated.\n\n(B) The identified floors shall be a contiguous block of floors including the following:\n\n(1) The floor with the first activated automatic initiating device.\n\n(2) Floors with any subsequently activated automatic initiating device(s).\n\n(3) Floors identified by manual means from the fire command center.\n\n(4) One floor above the highest floor identified by 21.6.2.1.2(B)(1) through 21.6.2.1.2(B)(3).\n\n(5) One floor below the lowest floor identified by 21.6.2.1.2(B)(1) through 21.6.2.1.2(B)(3).\n\n(C) The identified floors shall be displayed on a standard emergency services interface along with the other elevator status information required by 21.6.1.\"\n\n\"21.6.2.1.3 Manual Floor Selection.\n\n(A) A means shall be provided at the fire command center to allow the manual selection of floors.\n\n(B) The floors shall be selected on the basis of information from authorized or emergency personnel.\"\n\n\"21.6.2.1.4* Occupant Notification. The in-building fire emergency voice/alarm communications system shall transmit coordinated messages throughout the building.\n\n(A) Live voice evacuation messages shall be transmitted to the floors identified in 21.6.2.1.2 to indicate the need to evacuate and that elevator service is available.\n\n(B) Live voice messages shall be transmitted to the floors not being evacuated to inform occupants of evacuation status and shall include an indication that elevator service is not available.\n\n(C)* Live voice messages shall be transmitted to the floors identified in 21.6.2.1.2 to indicate that elevator service is not available when all elevators have been recalled on Phase I Emergency Recall Operation.\n\n(D) All live voice messages shall be coordinated with the text displays provided separately by the elevator management system.\"\n\n\"21.6.2.2 Total Evacuation. Where an elevator or group of elevators is designated for use by occupants for evacuation, the provisions of 21.6.2.2.1 through 21.6.2.2.3 shall apply for total evacuation.\"\n\n\"21.6.2.2.1 Output(s) to signal elevator occupant evacuation operation for total evacuation shall be manually activated from the fire command center by a means labeled \"ELEVATOR TOTAL BUILDING EVACUATION.\"\"\n\n\"21.6.2.2.2 The output(s) shall identify that all floors are to be evacuated.\"\n\n\"21.6.2.2.3 A live voice evacuation message shall be transmitted from the in-building fire emergency voice/alarm communication system throughout the entire building to indicate the need to evacuate.\"\n\n21.7.3* Delete and replace with the following: \"Fan Shutdown and Restart.\"\n\nAdd 21.7.3.1 to read as follows: \"Connections between fire alarm systems and the HVAC systems for the purpose of monitoring and control shall be arranged such that primary control (the control that all other controls are secondary or subservient to) capability rests with the fire alarm control unit(s) under all circumstances and in addition shall operate and be monitored in accordance with the New York City Building Code.\n\nException: Primary control of HVAC systems may rest with approved smoke control systems.\"\n\nAdd 21.7.3.2 to read as follows: \"HVAC fans or fan systems which have been automatically shut down by the activation of any fire alarm control unit or device shall be arranged and equipped not to automatically restart when the fire alarm control unit or device is reset. At least two manual means of restarting the fans or fan systems shall be required, such as manually resetting the fire alarm control unit or device and subsequently manually resetting the fan or fan system controls.\"\n\nAdd 21.7.3.3 to read as follows: \"Fans or fan systems that were automatically shut down by the fire alarm control unit or device in high rise fire alarm systems shall be manually enabled to start by means of overriding the fan shut down through the use of city-wide standard key (#2642) located at the Fire Command Center and/or Fire Fighters' Smoke Control Station. The actual start of the fans shall be accomplished manually through HVAC controls at the Fire Command Center, Fire Fighters' Smoke Control Station and locally at the fan rooms.\"\n\nAdd 21.7.3.4 to read as follows: \" Smoke Exhaust control means shall be enabled through the use of city-wide standard key (#2642) located at the Fire Command Center, Fire Fighters' Smoke Control Station, fire alarm control unit or, in the entrance lobby of the building adjacent to the fire alarm remote annunciator, when provided.\"\n\n21.9.1 Delete and replace with the following: \"Where permitted by the New York City Building Code, any device or system intended to electrically lock a required means of egress door in the direction of egress shall be connected to the fire alarm system serving the protected premises and shall automatically unlock upon any activation from the fire alarm system.\"\n\n21.9.3 Delete and replace with the following: \"Where permission is obtained from the commissioner, for all means of egress doors connected in accordance with 21.9.1, and where batteries are used in accordance with 10.6.7 as the secondary power supply, the batteries shall not be utilized to maintain these doors in the locked condition, unless the fire alarm control unit is arranged with circuitry and sufficient secondary power to ensure the exits will unlock within 10 minutes of loss of primary power.\"\n\nChapter 22 Reserved\n\nChapter 23 Protected Premises Fire Alarm Systems\n\n23.3.2 Delete and replace with the following: \"Nonrequired (Voluntary Systems) and Components. The features for a nonrequired system shall be established by the system designer on the basis of the goals and objectives intended by the system owner and subject to the approval of the Fire Department.\"\n\n23.8.1.1.2(3) Delete and replace with the following: \"(3) Subsequent system operation shall be subject to approval of the Fire Department.\"\n\nAdd 23.8.1.1.3 to read as follows: \"Group A Occupancies. Presignal systems in Group A occupancies required by Section 907.2.1.1 of the New York City Building Code shall operate in the \"Event/Non-Event Mode,\" as follows:\n\n\"(1) For the purposes of this section, Event Mode is defined when an assembly space and is occupied by public members with an occupant load in accordance with Section 907.2.1.1 of the New York City Building Code. Each assembly space within a structure that meets the occupant load as required in the Section 907.2.1.1 of the New York City Building Code shall be equipped with a separate In-Building Fire Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications System.\"\n\n\"(2) The In-Building Fire Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications System shall consist of the following:\"\n\n· \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOne –way voice communication\"\n\n· \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEvent/Non-Event #2642 Key switch\"\n\n· \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRemote Annunciator if the building fire alarm control panel is not installed in the assembly space\"\n\n· \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Warden phone to communicate to the base building Fire Alarm Control Panel or Fire Command Center\"\n\n\"(3) The Event Mode and Non-Event Mode shall be selectable positions in a two-position key switch at the In-Building Fire Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications System operated by city wide standard key (#2642) with visual indication of mode status at the fire alarm control panel or Fire Command Center. A log record shall be maintained for all mode operations identifying the operator, time and date of each such operation of mode and the selected duration of time for Event Mode.\"\n\n\"(4) In the Event Mode, no automatic alarm audible or visual notification signals shall be transmitted to the public or occupants of the place of assembly only. Manual live voice announcements shall be made by the designated Certificate of Fitness holder (F-53) for manual live voice announcements supervising the In-Building Fire Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications System to direct and implement emergency procedures including evacuation.\"\n\n\"(5) The Event Mode shall be adjustable up to a maximum time period duration of eight hours, and shall automatically revert to Non-Event Mode at the expiration of the time period unless manually switched to Non-Event Mode prior to such expiration time. A supervisory signal in addition to the foregoing is not prohibited.\"\n\n\"(6) In the Non-Event Mode, all speakers, horns and visual appliances shall emit alarm notification signals for public notification purposes – the audible signal shall comply with the base building approved fire alarm sequence of operation.\"\n\n\"(7) In the Event Mode, an unacknowledged alarm actuation shall, after the expiration of 180 seconds (3 minutes), automatically revert to Non-Event Mode and cause all alarm appliances to emit notification signals throughout the entire premises without exception, including publicly occupied assembly and support areas. Prerecorded or synthesized voice messages are prohibited.\"\n\n\"(8) The In-Building Fire Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications System shall be accessible within the assembly space to permit the assigned Certificate of Fitness holder (F-53) for manual live voice announcements to assess conditions and effectively direct evacuation of the admitted public.\"\n\n\"(9) The In-Building Fire Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications System shall be manned by a Certificate of Fitness holder (F-53) for manual live voice announcements issued by the Fire Department, during all times that the fire alarm system is in Event Mode.\"\n\n\"(10) A central station connection for manual, automatic and waterflow valve alarm and trouble shall be provided for the fire alarm system, activated automatically in either Event or Non-event Mode.\"\n\n\"(11) The Certificate of Fitness holder (F-53) for manual live voice announcements shall have the ability at the In-Building Fire Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications System to stop any conflicting or confusing sounds and visual distractions, and to illuminate the assembly space.\"\n\n\"(12) In buildings that are not required to have a Fire and Life Safety Director person, a Certificate of Fitness holder (F-01) shall be assigned at the main fire alarm control panel to investigate any alarm conditions and report back to the Certificate of Fitness Holder (F-53) supervising the In-Building Fire Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications System.\"\n\n\"(13) A Certificate of Fitness for Place of Assembly Safety Personnel (F-03/F-04) shall be provided as per the New York City Fire Code.\"\n\n\"(14) All Certificate of Fitness holders on duty during Event Mode shall be equipped with a personal communication device that will allow for two-way communications.\"\n\n23.8.5.1.2* Delete and replace with the following: \"Where connected to a supervising station, fire alarm systems employing automatic fire detectors or waterflow detection devices shall include a manual fire alarm box to initiate a signal to the supervising station.\"\n\nChapter 24 Emergency Communication Systems (ECS)\n\nAdd 24.4.10 to read as follows: \"One-Way Emergency Voice Communication System.\"\n\nAdd 24.4.10.1 to read as follows: \"One-way emergency voice communications equipment shall be installed in accordance with 24.4.10.\"\n\nAdd 24.4.10.2 to read as follows: \"Fire Department Use. One-way emergency voice communications service, where provided, shall be for use only by the Fire Department or by building personnel authorized to use such service who have obtained a Certificate of Fitness from the Fire Department.\"\n\nAdd 24.4.10.2.1 to read as follows: \"Activation. The voice communication panel at the annunciator panel shall be operated only by the Fire Department with activation of city wide standard key (#2642).\"\n\nAdd 24.4.10.2.2 to read as follows: \"Building Personnel Use. If requested by a building owner, building personnel who have obtained a FDNY Certificate of Fitness shall be permitted to utilize the system from a panel at the concierge or security desk.\"\n\nAdd 24.4.10.2.3 to read as follows: \"Permitted Variation. Any variation of equipment and system operation, if permitted by the Fire Commissioner, provided in order to facilitate additional uses of any one-way emergency voice communications service shall not adversely affect performance when used by those authorized pursuant to 24.4.1.10.2.\"\n\nAdd 24.4.10.2.4 to read as follows: \"Speaker Stations. Speaker stations shall be installed in each dwelling unit and on at least every other story in every required vertical exit enclosure.\"\n\nAdd 24.4.11 to read as follows: \"One-way Emergency Voice Communications Circuits in Group R-2 Occupancies. Where a one-way voice communications circuit is provided, such system shall comply with provisions for notification appliance integrity monitoring including 10.19, 12.6, 23.4 and 23.7 and the notification appliance circuits serving the apartments and stairway speakers shall meet the classifications for Class \"A\" or \"X\" Pathway Designation per 12.3.1 or 12.3.7. Additionally, outgoing and return conductors feeding the same circuit may not be run in the same stairwell.\"\n\nAdd the following at the end of 24.5: \"In-building mass notification systems shall not be installed unless approved by the Fire Department.\"\n\nAdd 24.6 to read as follows: \"Wide-Area Mass Notification Systems.\"\n\nAdd 24.6.1 to read as follows: \"Wide-area mass notification systems shall not be installed unless approved by the Fire Department.\"\n\n24.8.11 Delete and replace with the following: \"In buildings provided with a two-way telephone communications system, at least one telephone station shall be provided where required by the New York City Building Code.\"\n\n24.8.15 Delete and replace with the following: \"Telephone jacks are prohibited in new buildings and new fire alarm systems in existing buildings.\"\n\n24.9* Delete and replace with the following: \"Two-way Radio Communications Enhancement Systems (In-Building Auxiliary Radio Communication System (ARCS)).\"\n\nAdd 24.9.1.3 to read as follows: \"Definitions. The following definitions are applicable to this section only.\"\n\nDelivered Audio Quality (DAQ). A measure of audio quality over a transmission medium as defined in standards published in TIA/TSB-88C. The following table shows the DAQ descriptions as published in the document:\n\nDelivered Audio Quality (DAQ)\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFaded Subjective Performance Description\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUnusable, speech present but unreadable.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t2\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUnderstandable with considerable effort. Frequent repetition due to noise/distortion.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t3\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSpeech understandable with slight effort. Occasional repetition required due to noise/distortion.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t3.4\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSpeech understandable with repetition only rarely required. Some noise/distortion.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t4\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSpeech easily understood. Occasional noise/distortion.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t4.5\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSpeech easily understood. Infrequent noise/distortion.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t5\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSpeech easily understood.\n\nDedicated Radio Console (DRC). A fixed location console that contains at least the following components:\n\n(1) A handset or headset to broadcast and/or receive voice communications from/to ARCS.\n\n(2) A visual display to identify all signals transmitted from the Firefighter handheld units and supervisory signals.\n\n(3) Fire Department city wide standard key (#2642) to enable/disable radio transmission.\n\nIn-Building Auxiliary Radio Communication System (ARCS). Wireless two-way radio communication enhancement system installed in buildings to propagate Fire Department wireless frequencies for the use of the Fire Department in case of an emergency.\n\nRepeater Channel System. A repeater system utilizing channels with paired receive and transmit frequencies. When a user within the building transmits on a repeater channel, the repeater system rebroadcasts the users' signal to the DRC and all users within the building on that channel. This transmission increases the distance from which users can directly talk with each other. A user at the DRC must enable repeater channel for users to communicate.\n\nSimplex Channel System. A simplex system utilizing channels with the same frequencies for transmit and receive. Users communicate on simplex channels radio-to-radio without going through infrastructure. However, their radios need to be within a certain distance to be picked up by one another. A simplex system allows a user at the DRC to communicate with a user on a simplex channel anywhere in the building, even though the distance between the DRC and the user would typically be prohibitive. A simplex system only extends the transmission's reach for the DRC. It does not improve coverage between individual user radios.\n\nAdd 24.9.2.1 to read as follows: \"Critical Areas. Critical areas, such as the fire/emergency command center(s), the fire pump room(s), exit stairs, exit passageways, elevator lobbies, standpipe cabinets, sprinkler sectional valve locations, and other areas deemed critical by the authority having jurisdiction at the time of plan examination, shall be provided with 100 percent floor area radio coverage.\"\n\nAdd 24.9.2.2 to read as follows: \"General Building Areas. General building areas shall be provided with 95 percent floor area radio coverage in accordance with rules promulgated by the Fire Department.\"\n\nAdd 24.9.2.3 to read as follows: \"System Types. Buildings and structures that cannot support the required level of radio coverage shall be equipped with either a repeater channel system or a simplex channel system.\"\n\nAdd 24.9.3 to read as follows: \"Signal Strength.\"\n\nAdd 24.9.3.1 to read as follows: \"Inbound. A minimum inbound signal strength of -95 dBm, or other signal strength as required by the authority having jurisdiction, shall be provided throughout the coverage area and provide a minimum intelligible DAQ of 3.4.\"\n\nAdd 24.9.3.2 to read as follows: \"Outbound. A minimum outbound signal strength of -95 dBm at the donor site, or other signal strength as required by the authority having jurisdiction, shall be provided from the coverage area and provide a minimum intelligible DAQ of 3.4.\"\n\nAdd 24.9.4 to read as follows: \"System Radio Frequencies. The ARCS shall be capable of transmitting all public safety radio frequencies assigned by the Fire Department and be capable of using any modulation technology.\"\n\nAdd 24.9.4.1 to read as follows: \"List of Assigned Frequencies. The Fire Department shall maintain a list of all inbound/outbound frequency pairs for distribution to system designers and installers.\"\n\nAdd 24.9.4.2 to read as follows: \"Frequency Changes. Systems shall be capable of upgrade, to allow for instances where the Fire Department changes or adds system frequencies, in order to maintain radio system coverage as originally designed.\"\n\nAdd 24.9.4.3 to read as follows: \"Perimeter Coverage. The design of the ARCS shall minimize RF radiation beyond the intended building's limits so as to avoid interference, in compliance with FCC regulations.\"\n\nAdd 24.9.5 to read as follows: \"Components and Equipment.\"\n\nAdd 24.9.5.1 to read as follows: \"Component Approval. Components utilized in the installation of the public safety radio enhancement system, such as repeaters, transmitters, receivers, signal boosters, cabling, and fiber-distributed antenna systems, shall be FCC compliant, listed by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) and shall be compatible with the Fire Department radio system.\"\n\nAdd 24.9.5.2 to read as follows: \"Component Enclosures. All active components including but not limited to repeater, transmitter, receiver, and signal booster components remotely located from the Fire Command Center shall be contained in a listed UL 50E enclosure(s).\"\n\nAdd 24.9.5.2.1 to read as follows: \"The enclosure shall be painted Fire Department Red.\"\n\nAdd 24.9.5.2.2 to read as follows: \"A tamper switch shall monitor all active components in non-secure locations located remotely from the Fire Command Center such as amplifiers and repeaters. The notification for the tamper switch shall be monitored at the DRC.\"\n\nAdd 24.9.5.3 to read as follows: \"Power Supply. Power supply to the ARCS shall be in accordance with Section 760.41 of the New York City Electrical Code.\n\nException: Where power supply for the building fire alarm system has adequate capacity to support the ARCS power requirements, connection to the fire alarm system power supply via dedicated branch circuits with appropriate overcurrent protection is permitted.\"\n\nAdd 24.9.5.3.1 to read as follows: \"Battery Backup. The ARCS shall be provided with supervisory operations for 24 hours followed by full load operation for 6 hours.\"\n\nAdd 24.9.5.4 to read as follows: \"External filters. Permanent external filters and attachments shall not be permitted.\"\n\nAdd 24.9.5.5 to read as follows: \"Labeling.\"\n\nAdd 24.9.5.5.1 to read as follows: \"Cables.\"\n\nAdd 24.9.5.5.1.1 to read as follows: \"Cables utilized in the ARCS shall be labeled as \"FDNY Communications Use\".\"\n\nAdd 24.9.5.5.1.2 to read as follows: \"Where continuously accessible, the cable shall be marked every 8 feet (2438 mm).\"\n\nAdd 24.9.5.5.1.3 to read as follows: \"Wherever the cable is intermittently accessible, each accessible point shall be labeled.\"\n\nAdd 24.9.5.5.1.4 to read as follows: \"Field labeling of the cables shall be acceptable.\"\n\nAdd 24.9.5.5.2 to read as follows: \"Dedicated Radio Console Enclosure. The DRC shall be enclosed and the outside of the enclosure shall be labeled the following in white lettering contrasted against a Fire Department Red background:\n\nAUXILIARY RADIO COMMUNICATIONS\n\nAdd 24.9.5.5.3 to read as follows: \"Cable Rating. All ARCS cables shall be protected such that the circuit shall maintain its electrical function during fire conditions for at least a 2-hour period and the protection shall not interfere with the normal operation of the system as a whole.\n\nException: Radiating ARCS cables running horizontally that are not part of the main trunk connecting to a vertical riser shall have a plenum rating with a minimum temperature of 125°C (257°F).\"\n\nAdd 24.9.5.5.4 to read as follows: \"Cable Installation and Rating.\"\n\nAdd 24.9.5.5.4.1 to read as follows: \"All ARCS vertical and horizontal risers, and all cabling from the dedicated radio console and from radio amplification units up to such risers, shall be installed to withstand fire conditions for at least a 2-hour period.\n\nException: Where such risers are installed in 2-hour rated exit stairway, 2-hour rated elevator shafts or 2-hour rated inaccessible shafts that contain only non-combustible materials.\"\n\nAdd 24.9.5.5.4.1.1 to read as follows: \"All ARCS vertical and horizontal risers shall be plenum rated with a minimum temperature rating of 85°C (185°F).\"\n\nAdd 24.9.5.5.4.2 to read as follows: \"If horizontal non-riser ARCS cables are not installed in a 2-hour rated enclosure, antennas shall be installed on every floor as to allow RF (radio frequency) propagation to overlap from floors above or below, and design criteria that all antennae on any one floor would fail, and that the DAQ and RSSI meet the requirements of 24.9.3.1 and 24.9.3.2 within a building fully protected by an automatic sprinkler system.\"\n\nAdd 24.9.6 to read as follows: \"Supervisory Signals.\"\n\nAdd 24.9.6.1 to read as follows: \"Supervisory signals shall be provided in the form of visual indications (e.g., LED, alpha-numeric display) at the DRC with at minimum for the following system functions:\n\n(1) The integrity of the circuit monitoring signal booster(s) and power supply(ies) shall comply with 10.17.1.\n\n(2) Base Station Failure.\n\n(a) Low transmit power\n\n(b) Over temperature\n\n(c) High Voltage Standing Wave Ratios (VSWR)\n\n(3) Supervisory Signals.\n\n(a) Loss of alternating-current power source\n\n(b) Overall base-station failure\n\n(c) Low battery capacity, alarming at 70 percent of battery capacity\n\n(d) Antenna malfunction, where applicable\n\n(e) Signal amplification failure, where applicable\n\n(f) Tamper switch as required.\"\n\nAdd 24.9.7 to read as follows: \"Technical Criteria. The Fire Department shall maintain a document of technical information specific to its requirements. This document shall contain, at a minimum, the following:\n\n(1) Frequencies required\n\n(2) Maximum time domain interference\n\n(3) Unit ID and emergency alert signaling\n\n(4) DRC specifications\n\n(5) Installation specifications\n\n(6) Test equipment specifications\n\n(7) Other supporting technical information necessary to direct system design.\"\n\nAdd 24.9.8 to read as follows: \"Inspection and Testing. Inspection and testing shall be performed in accordance with testing frequencies and methods set forth in the rules of the Fire Department.\"\n\nChapter 25 Reserved\n\nChapter 26 Supervising Station Alarm Systems\n\n26.3.9.2 Delete and replace with the following: \"Testing and maintenance records shall be retained as required by the New York City Fire Code.\"\n\n26.3.10 Delete and replace with the following: \"Testing and maintenance for central station service shall be performed in accordance with the New York City Fire Code and the Rules of the City of New York.\"\n\n26.4.1 Delete and replace with the following: \"Application. Where permitted by the Fire Department, supervising facilities of proprietary alarm systems shall comply with the operating procedures of 26.4. The facilities, equipment, personnel, operation, testing, and maintenance of the proprietary supervising station shall also comply with 26.4.\"\n\n26.6.7 Delete and replace with the following: \"Testing and maintenance of communication methods shall be in accordance with the requirements of the New York City Fire Code.\"\n\n26.6.3.3 Delete and replace with the following: \"A single transmission path shall not be permitted.\"\n\n26.6.4.1.4 Delete and replace with the following: \"Transmission Channels. A system employing a DACT may employ any two of the following transmission means:\n\n(1) A cellular telephone connection\n\n(2) A one-way radio system\n\n(3) A one-way private radio alarm system\n\n(4) A private microwave radio system\n\n(5) A two-way RF multiplex system\n\n(6) An IP connection\n\n(7) A telephone line\n\n(8) A transmission means complying with 26.6.3.1.\n\nException: Where access to two technologies in the preceding list is not available at the protected premises, with the approval of the Fire Department, a telephone line (number) shall be permitted to be used as the second transmission means. Each DACT shall be programmed to call a second DACR line (number) when the signal transmission sequence to the first called line (number) is unsuccessful. The DACT shall be capable of selecting the operable means of transmission in the event of failure of the other means. Where two telephone lines (numbers) are used, it shall be permitted to test each telephone line (number) at alternating 6-hour intervals.\"\n\nChapter 27 Public Emergency Alarm Reporting Systems No changes.\n\nChapter 28 Reserved\n\nChapter 29 Single- and Multiple-Station Alarms and Household Fire Alarm Systems\n\n29.1.4 Delete and replace with the following: \"The requirements of this chapter shall not apply to one- and two-family manufactured homes.\"\n\n29.5 Delete section, including all subsections, and replace with the following: \"Smoke alarm detection and notification requirements shall be in accordance with Section 907 of the New York City Building Code.\"\n\n29.6.3, Item 2 Delete Item 2 of 29.6.3 and replace with the following: \"(2) All electrical systems shall be installed by a New York City licensed electrical contractor.\"\n\nANNEXES\n\nThe annexes are not a part of the requirements of this Referenced Standard but are included for informational purposes only. These annexes contain explanatory material, numbered to correspond with the applicable text paragraphs. In the event of any conflict between the Annexes and the body of the Referenced Standard, particularly where modifications have been made for New York City, the body of the Referenced Standard will govern.\n\nAnnex A Explanatory Material No changes.\n\nAnnex B Engineering Guide for Automatic Fire Detector Spacing No changes.\n\nAnnex C System Performance and Design Guide No changes.\n\nAnnex D Speech Intelligibility No changes.\n\nAnnex E Sample Ordinance Adopting NFPA 72 No changes.\n\nAnnex F Wiring Diagrams and Guide for Testing Fire Alarm Circuits No changes.\n\nAnnex G Guidelines for Emergency Communication Strategies for Buildings and Campuses No changes.\n\nAnnex H Informational References No changes.","path":["New York City Administrative Code","Title 28","Chapter 7: New York City Building Code"],"source_url":"https://files.amlegal.com/pdffiles/NewYorkCity/Admin/XML.zip","current_through":"Local Law 2026/135 (enacted August 31, 2026)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-06T02:48:57Z","sha256":"88fda32ef21c21d5eba71d492c5de52205fe3561c3918e08506fe9c2c18a9edc","source_id":"us-nyc","stale":false,"prev":"us-nyc/n.y.c.-admin.-code-bc-q106","next":"us-nyc/n.y.c.-admin.-code-bc-q108"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}